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Another sad day in the world of lupus: Sasha McHale

Reading about 23-year Sasha McHale's recent death due to complications of lupus was upsetting. So upsetting, I thought about not posting the news. But then, I came across this article from the Huffington Post, and I thought, "Okay - I can handle this one." I couldn't finish the first few articles I read covering the tragic event. As a lupus patient myself and a mother of two young girls who just might end up with lupus someday, the articles that talked, in detail, about lupus death rates, complications of the disease, and less than positive outlooks for patients were just too much for me. But this one, I can deal with, as it provides a positive, yet accurate picture of what sometimes seems to be a rather bleak future for lupus and its sufferers. My heart goes out to the McHale family - I wish them strength in the days and weeks to come.

Comments

I hear your heart ache..but having lost a child at 18 to it and now having her sister diagnosed with it when she has two children I feel your concern. However Leslie who was known as an angel to all, taught us that Lupus should not be looked upon as a harbinger of death, cause we all pass from something when our soul says it's time, and the point of each life is to be the best we can be while here and for other to celebrate that...

Me again. I just read a study about death and lupus and I just want to add that if you take care of yourself-maybe eat a diet of unprocessed mainly vegetarian foods (see Dr. Joel Fuhrman or Dr. McDougall) with no dairy or gluten, exercise, keep stress levels down, etc, you have a better chance of keeping your disease at bay.

Thanks for your comments. AKuna - I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you and your family. I can't imagine what that must feel like, but it sounds like you're displaying unbelievable strength and understanding.

When I decided to have children, I knew passing on lupus was a consideration...but decided that just as I've learned (albeit slowly and sometimes painfully) how to live well, despite the illness - I'll hopefully enable and encourage my girls to do the same, should they be diagnosed.

And Anonymous - you're right - many people today are able to live a full live with lupus...thankfully! But the disease, as complicated and life-altering as it is, can't be underestimated. Working closely with a doctor, there are certainly ways to manage the disease. it's just unfortunate events like Sasha's passing that reminds many of us with lupus just how important it is to take it seriously!

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Sara Gorman was diagnosed with systemic lupus at the age of 26. Determined not to let lupus rewrite her plans for the future, she fought to maintain her demanding work schedule, busy social life, and invincible attitude. But after four years of running her body into the ground, she realized she was fighting life, not living it. Committed to working with the disease rather than against it, she made it her top priority to start living well, despite lupus.
Her book, "Despite Lupus: How to Live Well with a Chronic Illness", details the steps it took to reach that goal.
In 2012, Sara also launched Sara Gorman’s Pillbags – a line of fun, fashionable pill organizers. The stylish, fabric pillbags can be found at retail stores across the country, on Amazon.com, and on her website at www.pillfold.com.
A native of Indiana and graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Sara resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and two young daughters.